Guwahati: In 2019, six color variations of the Asian Golden Cat (AGC) were found, attracting the interest of wild lovers.
Today, scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) discovered a new ‘morphology’ of the species when camera traps were deployed in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh to study the endangered vertebrates .
The study was conducted by R. Dutta, S. Bhattacharjee, V. Kumar, H. Singh, A. Sharief, BD Joshi, M. Thakur and LK Sharma of ZSI. The study was published in Indian Journal of Ecology.
The Asian golden cat, also known as the Temmink cat, is a less studied feline species. The species has, however, received renewed interest from researchers due to recent sightings of the animal with a peculiar coloration.
The species is distributed in most countries of Southeast Asia, ranging from eastern Nepal to northeast India, through eastern Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Sumatra , Laos, PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar and Malaysia.
India accounts for 15 species of cats, which constitutes about 37% of the global feline diversity.
The Asian golden cat is classified as ‘Near Threatened’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and protected by Appendix I of CITES and listed on Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. wildlife.
Differences in coat color patterns among cat species are prompting researchers to study the different forms in their habitats, say scientists.
Photo credit: ZSI, NMHS project
This rare and elusive cat is exceptionally polymorphic and so far reported with six different forms throughout its range.
A total of 79 camera traps were deployed in different habitats in West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, India resulting in a total of 7313 camera trap nights. Forest Watch reported that there is still a good amount of forest cover in West Kameng district, although the density is decreasing.
In this context, West Kameng holds a significant amount of habitat for the Asian golden cat and falls under the global biodiversity hotspot of the Eastern Himalayas. The species is very little known due to its cryptic behavior and lack of observation.
“In the images from the cameras of the researchers, 9 images showed this particular species of cats in 5 localities in West Kameng district. It can be noted that the series of images showed a new ‘morph’ among the known ones which was different from the rest,” said Dr Lalit Sharma from ZSI.
In addition to the common form, two different rare forms were recorded in the same camera trap between February 26 and March 14, 2019. The golden or brown colored form, which is a common form recorded on February 26 at 05:32. On March 6, 2019 at 04:09, the shape ‘Ocelot’ used the same track, its rosette pattern illustrates its identity, the same shape was captured again at 10:12 on the same day. On March 14, 2019, the “banded” shape was captured in the same camera at 12:48 p.m. The three morphs recorded in the same camera trap represent co-occurrence because they use the same locality.
“The coat color of the ‘banded’ form is not that of the other forms of the species. It has long, thick bands running from the neck to the beginning of the tail, which are not continuous, and the color red dull fox bound by the color dark fox red is what sets it apart from all other morphs. The stripes are different from ‘rosettes’ and other patterns. However, this type also has a black tuft on the tip of its tail and a stripe white starts from the inner corner of the eyes, which clearly indicates that it is an Asian golden cat,” said the scientists involved.
Also, the ‘banded’ form is India’s earliest recording. The common ‘golden’ form has also been recorded at two other locations in this district – the Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary and the Brokpalengchen area.
Photo credit: ZSI, NMHS project
“The Asian golden cat is an interesting subject of study because of its coat coloration. The newly reported ‘banded’ form that was first recorded in West Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh makes us wonder how many different coat colors does a single species have? This species requires proper study for its long-term viability, especially the reason for the variation in color of its “coat”. Observation by locals and sharing new facts can be important in preserving the habitat of this feline species,” said Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, Director of ZSI.
This study of unprotected areas in West Kameng indicates that habitats located in unprotected areas are also crucial for wildlife sustainability research. This district has only one protected area in terms of wildlife conservation, namely the Eagle’s Nest Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of 218 km2, and therefore conservation strategies should focus on conservation at the community level.
EASTMOJO PREMIUM
Help support honest journalism.
ZSI’s Ritam Dutta said this registration of the new form highlights the value of community forests in West Kameng District and showcases these forests as optional habitat for various conservation projects related to rare species.
Read also | Northeast India weather: Winter cold gives way to warmer days